Lasso Online asked staff writer Camille Christophel, a foreign exchange student from France, to share with our readers her early impressions of the differences between American high schools and those in her native France. Here are some of her thoughts:

By Camille Christophel (September 28, 2003)
 

My parents don’t recognize me (when I talk with them on the phone). They think I have really changed since I have been here because I said, "I love school" for the first time. But only American school. It is so nice to wake up, and to be happy to go to school. Of course, it’s early; 7:30, but everything can’t be great. In France, you start at 9:00 and you finish at 6:00 or 7:00. Very long day, but we have two hours to have lunch. A good lunch! Salmon, rice, pasta, salads. In France you are in each class for one hour You have the same class for one year. You see the same faces all day and everyday! It’s so tedious. We can’t choose our courses. You have to learn French (of course), English (universal language, no?), Spanish or German or Italian, history, geography, biology, physics and chemistry. It’s so boring! But when you are a junior, you can choose subjects: science, literary or economic subjects. And according to what you choose, you pass different exams. I chose literary.

Camille Christophel, a foreign  exchange student from France  who is spending a year with the  Mustangs, shares her  observations about the  differences between French  and American schools. (Photo  by Andrea Genovese Soares)

Here, (in America) it’s school and fun: proms, homecoming, sports games, pep rallies, assemblies. In France, it’s school and school. They want us to become a genius. Do you see results? Do I look like a genius?

We work during six days because we go to school even on Saturday morning. That’s terrible. I admit: I often slept on the Saturday morning, at my first class! Sorry, mum. (She didn’t know!)

Here, in America, there is a lot of communication between all. For French people, it’s each for oneself. Nobody will be there to help you! If you need help, don’t go to see teachers. Yes teachers, TEACHERS, I didn’t speak about them yet! It’s a big debate. They (teachers) are so cool here. They speak about their life, it’s so nice. In France, there is no communication. They teach their subjects (they try!); as we say in France they "knock you out" with their lessons and homework and then look at their watches. When the bell rings at the end of the class, they are just thinking about their coffees and smoking their cigarettes!

We don’t speak with secretaries either and you will never see a French principal go in the halls to meet students. I was in my school for four years and I have never seen my principal’s face. I just know his name.

There was so much happiness when I saw teachers who were singing and dancing during the assembly, the first day. It was incredible! A wonderful world without complexities. Don’t look for cheerleading or rocking teachers in a French school, you won’t find any.

If you come to France to have fun at school, you make a mistake. Go to another country. The only one good thing in French school is: lunches and holidays…

We have two and a half months off in a year. Cool, no? Hurray for the holidays.

I can’t find any other good things about the French school system.

And I have two more years to go when I go back to France…oh I’m so afraid.

So good American school!